Activity Safety Plan

Hockey Ice Hockey Games (Grades K-12)

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Competition and Fair Play Protocols

Description

Ice Hockey Games

  • Ice hockey is a fast-paced team sport played on an ice rink, where players use sticks to shoot a puck into the opposing team’s goal.
  • Ice Hockey Games: Hockey game or practice with a goalie and regulation puck.

Overall Activity Risk Classification (High, Moderate, Low)

High.

Follow all divisional protocols when planning high risk activities.

Risk Management

  • Consult Risk Management for additional general safety requirements and outside provider guidelines.

Grade K-8 Interschool

  • If the activity includes fitness development activities (training) consult Fitness Activities for additional safety requirements.

Grades 9-12 Interschool

  • If this activity includes fitness development activities (training) and/or resistance/weight training consult Fitness Activities and Weight Training for additional safety requirements.

Equipment

Curricular / Intramural / Interschool

  • Determine that all equipment is safe for use (for example, no sharp corners, cracks, or splinters). Students must be encouraged to report equipment problems to the teacher.
  • Protective equipment must not be altered.
  • Full hockey equipment is required as per Hockey Canada standards.
  • Players must wear:
    • a properly fitted (as per manufacturer’s guidelines) and properly worn CSA approved hockey helmet with cage
    • a throat protector
    • hockey gloves; and
    • elbow pads
  • Goalies must wear:
    • a properly fitted (as per manufacturer’s guidelines) and properly worn CSA approved helmet with face mask; or a CSA approved goalie mask
    • a throat protector
    • properly fitted catcher, blocker, pants, and goalie pads
    • chest and arm protector
    • a cup/pelvic protector
  • Sticks:
    • Regulation hockey sticks must be used.
    • The butt-ends must be taped or covered with a commercially-made butt-end
    • Cracked or splintered sticks must not be used
  • Plastic/foam ball, plastic or soft rubber pucks can be used. Regulation pucks are allowed.

Clothing/Footwear/Jewellery

Curricular / Intramural

  • Players must wear properly fitting ice hockey skates. Goalies must wear properly fitting player or goalie ice hockey skates.
  • No exposed jewelry permitted.
  • When long hair poses a safety risk it must be secured. Devices (for example, hair pins, elastics and barrettes) used to tie back long hair must not present a safety concern.

Interschool

  • The wearing of jewelry during practices and competitions must meet the rules of the governing body of the sport/activity, MHSAA, and the local athletic association. Consult the General Safety Standards for Clothing, Footwear, and Jewelry when jewelry is not addressed by the governing body of the sport/activity, MHSAA, or the local athletic association.
  • Players must wear properly fitting ice hockey skates. Goalies must wear properly fitting player or goalie ice hockey skates.
  • When long hair poses a safety risk it must be secured. Devices (for example, hair pins, elastics and barrettes) used to tie back long hair must not present a safety concern.

Facilities

Curricular / Intramural

  • Teachers must determine that all facilities are safe for use. Students must be encouraged to report facility concerns to the teacher.
  • Ice surface must be clear (no debris) and must not have any deep ruts.
  • Break away goals are mandatory.
  • When warm-ups (runs) take place off the school site:
    • Teachers must complete a ‘walk through’ of the route to identify any potential hazards.
    • Prior to the warm-up teachers must communicate the route to students and identify any hazards (for example, areas to approach with caution).
    • Teachers must directly supervise students if they are to cross busy intersections.

Natural Ice Locations (Lakes, Ponds, Rivers)

  • Only use School Board or school approved natural ice locations.
  • An approved natural ice location is one that is monitored and tested by a recognized organization (for example, local municipality, police, snowmobile clubs) and/or a recognized knowledgeable individual (for example, winter camp supervisor).  The monitoring/testing process must include measurement of ice thickness.
  • Natural ice thickness for physical activity must be a minimum of 15 cm (6″) and must be measured in several places.
  • Prior to an activity on natural ice, the teacher/supervisor must contact local authorities to determine the ice thickness.
  • The use of natural ice involves some risk. Here are safety criteria to minimize the risks:
    • Stay off any natural ice surface where conditions cannot be measured.
    • Stay away from unfamiliar paths or unknown ice, and avoid traveling on ice at night unless necessary.
    • Obey all ice warning signs.
    • The teacher/supervisor must be in close proximity to students when on the ice surface.
    • The teachers/supervisors must know the procedures for rescuing an individual who has fallen through the ice.
    • Prior to the activity, students must be informed of ice safety and ice rescue procedures (for example, never go onto the ice alone).

Interschool

  • Coaches must determine that all facilities are safe for use. Students must be encouraged to report facility concerns to the coach.
  • Ice surface must be clear (no debris) and must not have any deep ruts.
  • Break away goals are mandatory.
  • When warm-ups. training runs, and/or the running activity takes place off the school site:
    • Coaches must complete a ‘walk through’ of the route to identify any potential hazards.
    • Prior to the warm-up, training run, or running activity, teachers must communicated the route to students and identify any hazards (for example, areas to approach with caution).
    • Coaches must directly supervise students if they are to cross busy intersections.

Natural Ice Locations (Lakes, Ponds, Rivers)

  • Only use School Board or school approved natural ice locations.
  • An approved natural ice location is one that is monitored and tested by a recognized organization (for example, local municipality, police, snowmobile clubs) and/or a recognized knowledgeable individual (for example, winter camp supervisor).  The monitoring/testing process must include measurement of ice thickness.
  • Natural ice thickness for physical activity must be a minimum of 15 cm (6″) and must be measured in several places.
  • Prior to an activity on natural ice, the teacher/supervisor must contact local authorities to determine the ice thickness.
  • The use of natural ice involves some risk. Here are safety criteria to minimize the risks:
    • Stay off any natural ice surface where conditions cannot be measured.
    • Stay away from unfamiliar paths or unknown ice, and avoid traveling on ice at night unless necessary.
    • Obey all ice warning signs.
    • The teacher/supervisor must be in close proximity to students when on the ice surface.
    • The teachers/supervisors must know the procedures for rescuing an individual who has fallen through the ice.
    • Prior to the activity, students must be informed of ice safety and ice rescue procedures (for example, never go onto the ice alone).

Environmental Considerations

  • When environmental conditions may pose a risk to student safety (for example, extreme cold temperatures or high windchill), teachers must follow their school board/school protocols and procedures related to:
    • environmental conditions (consult Weather); and
    • snow conditions, including snow pack and visibility during activity
  • Students must receive instruction on safety procedures related to environmental conditions and be made aware of ways to protect themselves (for example, wearing a winter hat/tuque, mittens, and/or face protection when there is an elevated windchill).
  • The school board’s weather procedures are the minimum standards at all times. In situations where a higher standard of care is presented (for example, outside activity providers, facility/program coordinators), the higher standard of care must be followed.

Special Rules/Instructions

Grades K-8 Curricular / Intramural

  • Slap shots are not allowed for grades 1-6. Slap shots may be taught in an instructional setting for grades 7-8. Slap shots are not allowed during games.
  • No intentional contact (i.e. body checking, or stick-checks (slashing, cross-checking)).
  • All rules must be clearly outlined and enforced. Infractions or penalties must be called.
  • Activities must be modified according to the students’ age, ability, language skills, previous experience, the number of participants, and the facility/space available.
  • Skills must be taught in proper progression and all activities must be based on the skills that are taught.
  • When planning an activity, participant level of fitness, their previous training, and the intensity and length of time of the activity must all be taken into consideration.
  • A proper warm-up and cool-down must be included.
  • Be aware of students with a medical condition (for example, asthma, anaphylaxis, casts, previous concussion) that may affect their participation. Consult Medical Conditions for additional information.
  • Students must not participate until they receive concussion information specific to school board procedures/policies, activity specific information on concussion prevention, the inherent risks of the activity, how to minimize the activity risks, and rules/procedures for safe play.
  • Students must be instructed on the importance of reporting suspected concussion symptoms.
  • For all off-site activities refer to the school board’s transportation procedures/policies related to appropriate methods of transportation, appropriate parent/guardian communication, and obtaining parent/guardian permission.
  • Activities that require students to close their eyes or be blind-folded while moving are prohibited.
  • Teach students how to walk and/or run backwards properly.  Emphasize safe, controlled movement when students walk or run backwards. Backward-running races are not permitted.
  • If a student displays either verbal or non-verbal hesitation about performing a specific activity/skill then the teacher must determine the reason for hesitation.  If the teacher believes the hesitancy may put the student at risk during activity, then the student must be directed towards a more basic skill or be permitted to select a challenge that aligns with their comfort level (including choosing not to participate).
  • Students with Additional Needs: The teacher must make appropriate accommodations/modifications to provide a safe learning environment which addresses both activity and student specific safety concerns.  Consult OPHEA’s Disability-Centred Movement: Supporting Inclusive Physical Education for supportive resources.
  • To prevent dehydration, students must have access to water fountains or personal water bottles before, during, and after the activity.

Grades 9-12 Curricular / Intramural

  • Slap shots may be taught in an instructional setting but are not allowed during games.
  • No intentional contact (body checking or stick-checks such as slashing, cross-checking).
  • All rules must be clearly outlined and enforced. Infractions or penalties must be called.
  • Activities must be modified according to the students’ age, ability, language skills, previous experience, the number of participants, and the facility/space available.
  • Skills must be taught in proper progression and all activities must be based on the skills that are taught.
  • When planning an activity, participant level of fitness, their previous training, and the intensity and length of time of the activity must all be taken into consideration.
  • A proper warm-up and cool-down must be included.
  • Be aware of students with a medical condition (for example, asthma, anaphylaxis, casts, previous concussion) that may affect their participation. Consult Medical Conditions for additional information.
  • Students must not participate until they receive concussion information specific to school board procedures/policies, activity specific information on concussion prevention, the inherent risks of the activity, how to minimize the activity risks, and rules/procedures for safe play.
  • Students must be instructed on the importance of reporting suspected concussion symptoms.
  • For all off-site activities refer to the school board’s transportation procedures/policies related to appropriate methods of transportation, appropriate parent/guardian communication, and obtaining parent/guardian permission.
  • Activities that require students to close their eyes or be blind-folded while moving are prohibited.
  • Teach students how to walk and/or run backwards properly.  Emphasize safe, controlled movement when students walk or run backwards. Backward-running races are not permitted.
  • If a student displays either verbal or non-verbal hesitation about performing a specific activity/skill then the teacher must determine the reason for hesitation.  If the teacher believes the hesitancy may put the student at risk during activity, then the student must be directed towards a more basic skill or be permitted to select a challenge that aligns with their comfort level (including choosing not to participate).
  • Students with Additional Needs: The teacher must make appropriate accommodations/modifications to provide a safe learning environment which addresses both activity and student specific safety concerns.  Consult OPHEA’s Disability-Centred Movement: Supporting Inclusive Physical Education for supportive resources.
  • To prevent dehydration, students must have access to water fountains or personal water bottles before, during, and after the activity.

Interschool

  • Multiple on-ice practices must have occurred prior to the first competition.
  • The number of games and skill competitions (for example, agility, racing) in any one day must not present a safety concern.
  • When planning an activity, participant level of fitness, their previous training, and the intensity and length of time of the activity must all be taken into consideration.
  • Skills must be taught in proper progression and all activities must be based on the skills that are taught.
  • A proper warm-up and cool-down must be included.
  • Be aware of students with a medical condition (for example, asthma, anaphylaxis, casts, previous concussion) that may affect their participation. Consult Medical Conditions for additional information.
  • Students must not participate until they receive concussion information specific to school board procedures/policies, activity specific information on concussion prevention, the inherent risks of the activity, how to minimize the activity risks, and rules/procedures for safe play.
  • Students must be instructed on the importance of reporting suspected concussion symptoms.
  • Prior to participation, and according to school board procedures/policies, students must provide confirmation they’ve reviewed the concussion information.
  • For all off-site activities refer to the school board’s transportation procedures/policies related to appropriate methods of transportation, appropriate parent/guardian communication, and obtaining parent/guardian permission.
  • Teach students how to walk and/or run backwards properly.  Emphasize safe, controlled movement when students walk or run backwards. Backward-running races are not permitted.
  • Activities that require students to close their eyes or be blind-folded while moving are prohibited.
  • Coaches must teach and strictly enforce sport specific rules, fair play principles, and sportsmanship.
  • To prevent dehydration, students must have access to water fountains or personal water bottles before, during, and after the activity.
  • Students may not share water bottles.
  • Parents/guardians must be informed of the school board’s initiation/hazing policy.
  • Spectators are welcome at interschool sport activities so long as they do not present a safety concern.  Hosting schools/facilities must identify locations for spectators that ensures both athlete and spectator safety.
  • Schools are responsible for supervising its own spectators. Schools are to follow their school board supervisor to spectator ratios.

Supervision

Grades K-8 Curricular / Intramural

  • All activities must be supervised.
  • On-site supervision is required.
  • The level of supervision must commensurate with the inherent risk of the activity. The level of risk is related to the number of participants, the skill level of the participants, the type of equipment used, and environmental conditions.
  • Volunteers are allowed to assist in the supervision of physical education activities. Examples of volunteers are educational assistants, retired teachers, co-op students, parents/guardians, early childhood educators, and teacher candidates. Refer to your school board’s policy regarding volunteers. These volunteers must be accompanied by a supervisor/physical education teacher.
  • Teachers must have experience or training prior to providing activity specific instruction.  Teachers without recent experience or training should receive training or assistance from appropriately trained staff.

Grades 9-12 Curricular / Intramural

  • All activities must be supervised.
  • On-site supervision is required.
  • The level of supervision must commensurate with the inherent risk of the activity. The level of risk is related to the number of participants, the skill level of the participants, the type of equipment used, and environmental conditions.
  • Volunteers are allowed to assist in the supervision of physical education activities. Examples of volunteers are educational assistants, retired teachers, co-op students, parents/guardians, early childhood educators, and teacher candidates. Refer to your school board’s policy regarding volunteers. These volunteers must be accompanied by a supervisor/physical education teacher.
  • Students must be informed that using equipment and/or the gymnasium without supervision is prohibited. In addition to verbal communication, the doors must be locked or signs must be posted indicating that students are not allowed to use the gym unless appropriately supervised.
  • Teachers must have experience or training prior to providing activity specific instruction.  Teachers without recent experience or training should receive training or assistance from appropriately trained staff.

Interschool

  • All activities must be supervised.
  • Constant visual supervision during initial practice of contact skills.
  • On-site supervision thereafter.
  • The level of supervision must commensurate with the inherent risk of the activity. The level of risk is related to the number of participants, the skill level of the participants, the type of equipment used, and environmental conditions.
  • Coach liaison(s) will provide, at the minimum, in-the-area supervision for all practices, games, and competitions.
  • When a school team is traveling off-school site, coach liaison(s) must accompany the team and must be accessible at all times.
  • Consult school board and local athletic association rules and regulations with regard to coach and coach liaison duties and adhere to the higher standard of care.
  • Students must be informed that using equipment and/or the gymnasium without supervision is prohibited. In addition to verbal communication, the doors must be locked or signs must be posted indicating that students are not allowed to use the gym unless appropriately supervised.

Interschool Qualifications

  • All coaches must have current certification in the following qualifications:
    • NCCP Coach 2 – Coach Level
    • Respect in Sport
  • Additional information on sport-specific NCCP training can be found at  coach.ca.
  • All match officials must demonstrate sufficient experience officiating the sport.  It is preferable that all match officials be sport-specific certified.
  • The head coach must demonstrate appropriate knowledge of the sport, skills, and strategies relevant to the age and skill of the participants.  This must be demonstrated to the principal or designate.
  • Coaches must follow and implement the criteria outlined in Coaches Expectations and/or the standards/criteria established by their school/school board.

First Aid

  • A fully stocked first aid kit must be readily accessible. (Consult Sample First Aid Kit)
  • A working communication device (for example, cell phone) must be accessible.
  • Schools must identify an individual to provide first aid to injured students.
  • As a minimum, this individual must have current first aid certification from a recognized first aid provider (for example, St. John Ambulance, Red Cross) that includes CPR B or C and training in head, neck and spinal injury management.  This individual must be aware of the school board’s concussion protocol, must follow the school’s first aid emergency action plan (including access to a vehicle for transportation of an injured student), and be present and readily accessible during the all practices/competitions.  This individual must not be a participant in the activity.
  • For additional information consult First Aid Plan and First Aid Emergency Response.

Definitions

Curricular / Intramural

  • In-Charge Person:
    • Some activity safety pages refer to an “In-Charge” person. The teacher is always “In-Charge” and responsible for the overall safety and well-being of students under their care.  However, sometimes other personnel must be identified as “In-Charge” related to specific situations (for example, a pool lifeguard).  In these situations where another “In-Charge” person is designated, that person in consultation with the teacher are to make final decisions regarding student safety.
  • Supervision:
    • The vigilant overseeing of an activity or sport for regulation or direction.
    • All facilities, equipment, and sports have inherent risks, but the level of risk decreases significantly with effective supervision
    • Manitoba Physical Activity Safety in Schools designate three categories of supervision:  Constant Visual Supervision, On-Site Supervision, and In-The-Area Supervision. The categories take into consideration the activity specific level of risk, the participants’ skills, and the participant level of experience. The three levels of supervision are not hierarchical but represent the type of supervision that an activity requires and the type of supervision that is inherently possible.
  • Supervisor:
    • A supervisor is defined as a teacher, vice-principal or principal with current Manitoba Teachers’ Society certification and under contract by a school/school board. The supervisor is legally responsible for the students.
  • Types of Supervision:
    • Constant Visual Supervision:
      • The teacher is physically present, watching the activity in question. Only one activity requiring “Constant Visual Supervision” may take place while other activities are going on.
      • Curricular example: During a track and field lesson, some students are practicing high jump, some practicing relay, and others practicing distance running. The teacher is at and is watching high jump.
      • Intramural example: During a school outdoor special events day, some students are involved in parachute games, some in relay games, and others in a team scavenger hunt around the school. The intramural supervisor is at and is watching the parachute games.
    • In-the-area Supervision:
      • “In-The-Area Supervision” means that the teacher could be in the gymnasium while another activity is taking place in an area adjacent to the gymnasium.  “In-The-Area Supervision” requires the teacher to be readily accessible.
      • “In-The-Area Supervision” occurs during activities in which students may be out of sight for periods of time and the location of the teacher is not nearby (for example, alpine skiing, cross-country running) or during activities where single or multiple “In-the-Area” activities are happening at the same time (for example, a gym divided by a curtain or wall with badminton or table tennis on either side of the wall).
      • The following criteria must be in place:
        • The teacher is circulating and is readily accessible
        • The location of the teacher has been communicated to students and volunteers;
      • Curricular example: During a track and field lesson, some students are practicing high jump, some practicing relay, and others practicing distance running. For distance running, the students are running around the school and at times may be out of sight.
      • Intramural example: During a school outdoor special events day, some students are involved in parachute games, some in relay games, and others in a team scavenger hunt around the school. For the scavenger hunt, the students are running around the school grounds and at times may be out of sight.
    • On-site Supervision:
      • The teacher is present but not necessarily constantly viewing one specific activity. Momentary presence in adjoining rooms (for example, equipment room) to the gym is considered part of “On-Site Supervision”.
      • Curricular example: During a track and field lesson, some students are practicing high jump, some practicing relay, and others practicing distance running. Students participating on the track (relay) can be seen by the teacher who is physically with the students practicing high jump.
      • Intramural example: During a school outdoor special events day, some students are involved in parachute games, some in relay games, and others in a team scavenger hunt around the school. For relay games, the students are participating on the playground and can be seen by the intramural supervisor.

Interschool

  • Coach:
    • A coach is any individual approved by the principal or designate (for example, teacher, school administrator, or non-teacher/volunteer) responsible for an interschool sport/activity.  All new coaches must go through an approval process by the school administrator/designate to determine the coach’s knowledge, experience and, where appropriate, qualifications (for example, higher risk sports) to safely coach the sport (consult Coaches Expectations).
  • Coach Liaison:
    • A coach liaison is defined as a teacher, principal, or vice-principal with current teacher certification and under contract by the school/school board who will provide appropriate support to a non-teacher/volunteer coach. Consult Coaches Expectations for more information.
  • Supervision:
    • The vigilant overseeing of a sport for regulation or direction.
    • All facilities, equipment, and sports have inherent risks, but the level of risk decreases significantly with effective supervision
    • Manitoba Physical Activity Safety in Schools has designated three categories of supervision:  Constant Visual Supervision, On-Site Supervision, and In-The-Area Supervision. The categories take into consideration the activity specific level of risk, the participants’ skills, and the participant level of experience. The three levels of supervision are not hierarchical but represent the type of supervision that an activity requires and the type of supervision that is inherently possible.
  • Types of Supervision:
    • Constant Visual Supervision:
      • The coach is physically present, watching the activity in question. Only one activity requiring “Constant Visual Supervision” may take place while other activities are going on.
      • For example, during a track and field practice, some students are practicing high jump, some practicing relay, and others practicing distance running. The coach is at and is watching high jump.
    • In-The-Area Supervision:
      • “In-The-Area Supervision” requires the coach to be readily accessible.  The coach could be in the gymnasium while another activity is taking place in an area adjacent to the gymnasium.
      • “In-The-Area Supervision” occurs during activities in which students may be out of sight for periods of time and the location of the coach is not nearby (for example, alpine skiing, cross-country running) or during activities where single or multiple “In-the-Area” activities are happening at the same time (for example, a gym divided by a curtain or wall with badminton or table tennis on either side of the wall).
      • The following criteria must be in place:
        • The coach is circulating and is readily accessible
        • The location of the coach has been communicated to students and volunteers;
    • On-Site Supervision:
      • The coach is present but not necessarily constantly viewing one specific activity. Momentary presence in adjoining rooms (for example, equipment room) to the gym is considered part of “On-Site Supervision”.
      • For example, during a track and field practice, some students are practicing high jump, some practicing relay, and others practicing distance running. Students participating on the track (relay) can be seen by the coach.
Origin Date
August 27, 2025
Last Reviewed
February 6, 2026
Next Review
TBD
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